Humanitarian Aid in Liberia

Overview

When Liberia first became a political entity in 1822, the freed American slaves who founded the government wanted the country’s name to represent liberty. It is fitting, then, that the Republic of Liberia holds the unique distinction of being both Africa’s oldest republic and the first African country to democratically elect a female president. However, it also endured one of Africa’s bloodiest civil wars, roughly from 1989 to 2003. The violence devastated Liberia’s economy, created deep wounds from crimes against humanity, and left many children without families or homes.

Today, Liberia has a comparatively young population. Thus, the youth will play a crucial role in Liberia’s reconstruction and healing process into the future. Hope International reaches out to some of the most vulnerable members of Liberia’s youth by supporting a local medical clinic and orphanage.

Quick Facts

Estimated 200,000 orphans out of a population of 3,685,076

44% of the population under the age of 14

Median age is 18.4

Male literacy rate: 73.3%, Female literacy rate: 41.6%

85% unemployment rate (2003 est.) and 80% below poverty line

Culturally rich and diverse country with eighteen ethnicities represented

Hope's Accomplishments

Hope’s Director traveled to Liberia in 2008 and 2009

Bought new mattresses for children at Divine Orphanage

Sponsored children to meet their medical, educational, and nutritional needs